In any SDLC (Software Development Lifecycle) it is important to perform testing and validation using test cases. When we are performing a ServiceNow version upgrade, the maximum effort is spent on testing the upgraded instance and there is high a possibility that the upgraded version will have multiple errors. ServiceNow Automated test framework (ATF) puts your upgrades on a fast track testing process and reduces the delays caused due to manual testing. The customization in ATF is faster and gives greater insights in to the test results for better visibility. With ServiceNow ATF, you will be able to leverage parameterized testing, quick start and full stack testing. Further, this allows you to create your own tests with out-of-the box templates for all ServiceNow Products and guess what? ServiceNow offers ATF free of cost. 

When you have an upgrade pending for your ServiceNow instance, you will have to make sure that there are no frequent bugs, which overload the tasks of development/support teams while upgrading it. At the same time, the test cases documentation needs to be on point to measure the resources on-boarded for testing. Now in this tricky scenario, ServiceNow ATF allows you to execute infinite number of test cases to make the upgrade error-free, save cost and eliminate time taken for manual testing. 

Benefits of ATF 

ATF reduces all the potential human errors during a test run and is easier to maintain records. Furthermore, it allows user and role impersonation of different types of users. In some cases where a cross-browser and operating system specific testing is needed, ATF allows Scheduled testing to support platform specific testing. Since ATF’s initial release, ServiceNow has been committed to expand its coverage with each release and using ATF for Regression Testing is a part of ServiceNow’s best upgrade practices. ServiceNow ATF is free of cost and requires only an activation process for it to function. 

Operational efficiency and metrics 

On the client-side, ATF allow users to create and perform UI tests that cover several metrics like application navigator visibility, form validation and submission, and Service Portal ordering. Whereas on the server-side, ATF is used to check inbound REST requests, CRUD operations, Catalog Items, as well as create Custom Test Scripts and Test Step Configurations. In the latest versions of ServiceNow ATF you have the following features that enhance UI testing and testing for the application navigator and Service Portal. 

  • Negative assertions for server-side test steps allows failed operations to be successful 
  • The ability to whitelist client-side JavaScript errors 
  • Additional performance and administration configuration such as screenshot settings 

How to perform upgrades like a cakewalk? 

ServiceNow’s new guideline says they will support only until release n-1. Considering this, customers would have to go for two upgrades in a year and this drives the need for ATF. Treating your ServiceNow upgrade like a project is the way forward and this can bring greater visibility in to the upgrade with faster adoption. It would be wise to review skipped changes so you can gain visibility to the customizations and shortens the upgrade time by one third. You need to have solid test plan for success while promoting changes. At the end of the day, following ServiceNow technical best practices will save your effort from upgrade issues. 

To know more about ServiceNow ATF best practices, download our whitepaper.

Aspire systems has successfully implemented ServiceNow ATF for a Finland based paper and pulp manufacturer, download the case study to make informed business decision.  

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